THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 20, 2024 Page 19 MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 18 crossed her path! She had a strength and warmth that drew people to her, and she had an uncanny way of making every single person feel valued (especially if they were a fellow smoker). Our friends became her friends, and she likely fed every one of them at some point during our lifetimes. The tributes that poured in on Facebook after she passed would have meant the world to her. She would have reveled in each kind word and probably bragged a bit about the photo of her shoveling snow garnering nearly 300 likes. It’s funny to think that even now, she’s still making people smile. Mom loved this Dr. Seuss passage. It just about sums up the spirit she brought to the season. It’s from Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”: “And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puz~ Help Wanted ~ Event Coordinator. Plan & execute events incl. logistics, sponsorships, budgets, & marketing. Secure partnerships & deliver creative, high-quality experiences. Req. 4 yrs of exp. in event planning or rel. field. Req. fluent Brazilian Portuguese, written & spoken. $62,800.00/yr. Send resume to: REMIX PRODUÇÕES INC, 173 Water St, Saugus, MA 01906 or email: remixproductions14@gmail.com Lawn and Yard Care SNOW PLOWING *REASONABLE RATES * PROMPT SERVICE * PARKING LOTS USA 781-521-9927 SPADAFORA AUTO PARTS JUNK CARS WANTED SAME DAY PICK UP 781-324-1929 Quality Used Tires Mounted & Installed Used Auto Parts & Batteries Family owned & operated since 1946 DISINHERITING A CHILD ing and/or spending time together which might end up being a parent’s worst nightmare. Some things to consider when you are contemplating disinheriting a child are: 1. A child who might appear to be A s part of most estate plans, parents will leave their estate to all children in equal shares. In some cases, parents elect not to leave anything to one or more of their children. There may be a situation where the parents believe one child to be more financially successful than others, or not wanting to provide assets to a special needs child so as not to lose any governmental benefits. In some cases, parents may not want to leave assets to an irresponsible, spendthrift or drug-dependent child. There are sometimes situations where the parents want to disinherit a child who is estranged from the family, or to even use the disinheritance as a way to get even or to have the last word so to speak. One of the risks of disinheriting a child is that it may be hurtful in the child’s mind and will often affect the child’s relationship with the other siblings. There are, of course, countless court cases wherein siblings are suing each other over money and disagreements about inheritances. However, even if there is no subsequent lawsuit, it is very possible that the siblings will no longer be speakmore successful financially may be having trouble behind the scenes. He or she may actually need the inheritance now or in the future. Financial situations can change quickly. Divorce can wreak chaos on a child’s finances. So too can illness. Also keep in mind that if you disinherit a child, you are also disinheriting that’s child’s children (your grandchildren). 2. You may have a spouse, child, sibling, parent or other loved one who is physically, mentally or developmentally disabled, from birth, illness, injury or even substance abuse, who may be entitled to governmental benefits now or in the future. Most of these benefits are available only to those with very minimal assets and income. In these situations, you do not have to disinherit this person or persons. You can easily establish a supplemental needs trust that is carefully designed to supplement and not jeopardize the benefits provided by local, state, federal or private agencies. 3. You may also have a child that is irresponsible with money or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You should consider that this child may actually need financial help now or in the future, and may actually become a responsible and/ or sober adult. Instead of disinheriting this child, you might think of establishing a trust giving a certain trustee discretion in providing or withholding financial assistance. You may also stipulate any requirements you want your child to meet. The manner in which you decide to include your children in your estate plan may say a good deal about your values and faith. Not disinheriting a child who may have caused you grief and heartache may convey a message of love and forgiveness. Disinheriting a child, even for what seems to be a good reason, may convey a message of lack of love, anger and resentment. If you have previously disinherited a child in your Will or Trust and you have reconciled, you should consider updating your estate planning documents accordingly. If your decision to disinherit is final, be sure to discuss this with your estate planning attorney. Lastly, consider telling your child that you are disinheriting him or her so it does not come as a complete surprise. Explaining your reasons will allow for honest discussion and may help to deter the child from blaming his or her siblings later on, after you are no longer alive. It might be better that your child ends up not being happy with you rather than not being happy with his or her brothers and sisters. After all, they will be the ones around long after you are dead. I see this all of the time. The great investor Warren Buffet recently disclosed he had his children review the terms of his estate planning documents so they would be able to provide input while he is still alive. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a master’s degree in taxation. zling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?” That was her outlook. Christmas wasn’t about the trimmings; it was about family, friends and the warmth of togetherness. Her memory reminds us of every year to focus on what truly matters. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Malden! Postscript 1: Good Malden hearts and the spirit of the season abounded last Saturday at the Italian American Citizen’s Club in Edgeworth as the IACC once again showed Malden what this time of the year is truly all about. Partnering with the best of the best at the Malden Police Department, Jackie Teal and IACC President Billy Settemio says to themselves, “Let’s throw a fundraiser for the yoots of Malden,” “let’s make sure them without don’t go without this holiday season.” The fundraiser was a stone-cold success with thousands raised for little ones that may have gone without during the holiday season. Thank you, Jackie, Billy, MPD Chief Glenn MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 21 Call $ $ $ $ Driveways from $35
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